Join us in commercializing the world’s fastest growing sport

Norway Chess has transformed chess into one of the world's most prestigious and innovative sporting events. Now, we are taking the next step.

In 2027, Total Chess World Championship Tour will launch as an official global championship tour, bringing together the world's best chess players in a completely new competition format. Across multiple continents, players will compete in fast classical, rapid and blitz chess to determine the world's combined champion.

Built by the team behind Norway Chess and supported by an exceptional group of investors, ambassadors and partners, including world-renowned athletes Erling Haaland and Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, Total Chess World Championship Tour is positioned to become one of the world's most innovative sports and entertainment properties.

To lead this journey, we are seeking an ambitious and commercially driven Chief Commercial Officer.

This is a unique opportunity to build a global business at the intersection of sport, media, technology, entertainment and intellectual competition.

As Chief Commercial Officer, you will:

• Lead the global commercial growth of Norway Chess and Total Chess World Championship Tour

• Define and execute the global commercial strategy

• Develop new revenue streams across sponsorships, partnerships, media rights, events and adjacent business opportunities

• Identify and secure founding partners for one of the most exciting new sports properties in the market

• Establish strategic alliances with leading international brands, investors and media platforms

• Build the commercial infrastructure required to support long-term international growth

• Drive negotiations and close high-value commercial agreements

• Work closely with ownership, leadership and key stakeholders to shape the future direction of the business

To succeed in this role, you have:

• A proven track record of driving commercial growth and developing new revenue streams

• Significant experience in sponsorship sales, strategic partnerships or business development

• Successfully negotiated and closed complex agreements with large international counterparties

• The ability to combine strategic thinking with hands-on execution

• Experience building scalable commercial organizations and processes

• A strong international network and a reputation for building lasting business relationships

• Experience from sports, media, entertainment, events or corporate partnerships is advantageous

We believe you are:

• Entrepreneurial, ambitious and commercially sharp

• Equally comfortable in the boardroom and in front of customers

• A natural relationship builder with strong emotional intelligence

• Highly autonomous with strong execution capabilities

• Credible with investors, boards, partners and senior decision-makers

• Energized by performance-based environments where success is directly linked to results

• Excited by international travel and the opportunity to build something global

Why join Norway Chess?

Chess is one of the fastest-growing global sports and entertainment categories, engaging hundreds of millions of players and viewers worldwide. Total Chess World Championship Tour is designed to capitalize on this momentum through a season-long international tour, global media distribution and a modern commercial model.

This is more than a commercial leadership role. It is a rare opportunity to help build a new global championship platform from the ground up and shape the future of one of the world's most universal and accessible sports.

Working alongside a highly ambitious ownership group, leading international partners and high-profile investors, you will have the opportunity to create lasting commercial value and leave a meaningful mark on the future of global chess.

Join us in building the future of global chess.

Contact

Korn Ferry is assisting Norway Chess in this search. For inquiries regarding the position or the recruitment process, please contact Amanda Hopen at Korn Ferry (amanda.hopen@kornferry.com).